Steering Column, Removing and Installing

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The steering column is delivered only as a complete replacement part. Service is not possible.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Torque Wrench V.A.G 1331

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Torque wrench V.A.G 1331

Fig 2: Identifying Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing And Information System VAS 5051 A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Vehicle diagnostic, test and information system VAS 5051 A
Diagnostic Cable VAS 5051/5A

The steering column is delivered only as a complete replacement part. Service is not possible.

Removing

Remove driver side airbag unit → .

Fig 3: Screw, Handle & Steering Column Trim

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Loosen screw - 2 -.
Remove handle - 1 -.

3 - Steering column trim

Remove airbag steering wheel → Steering Wheel with Airbag, Removing and Installing .
Remove steering column switch trim and the switch → .
Remove driver side storage compartment → .
Place vehicle on a hoist → POSITIONING VEHICLE ON HOIST AND WHEELS .

Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).
Remove left front wheel.
Secure brake disc with a wheel bolt.
Remove left front wheel housing liner → .

An assembly aid is required so that the upper and lower parts of the steering column do not pull apart when removing the steering gear.

If the upper and lower parts of the steering column are pulled too far apart or pushed too close together the splines separate.

There may be rattling later if the splines are not in their original installation position.

Fig 4: Securing Universal Joint With Cable Tie To Steering Column

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Secure universal joint - 2 - with a cable tie - A - to the steering column.

Fig 5: Removing Nut And Fold Trim

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove nut - arrow - and fold trim - 1 - upward.

Fig 6: Removing/Installing Bulkhead Boot, Bolt & Universal Joint

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Fold bulkhead boot - 1 - to side.
Remove bolt - 2 - from universal joint - 3 -.

Ensure bulkhead boot is seated correctly.

Fig 7: Identifying Connector, Steering Column, And Screw

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disconnect connector - A -.

Vehicles with electrical height adjustment

Separate electrical height adjustment connectors (2 connectors, behind instrument panel).

Continuation for all vehicles

Remove steering column - 1 - - arrows -.
Remove steering column.

Installing

Installation is reverse of removal, with special attention to the following:

NOTE:

If the vehicle receives a new lock set and a new identity, the steering column lock actuator N360 (electronic steering column lock) can only be adapted once the access/start control module J518 has learned the new identity. Otherwise, the electronic steering column lock can no longer learn if it is already adapted and it cannot be used.

New replacement steering columns are secured with transportation protection.

Remove transportation protection after installing the steering column.
Place steering column on cross member.
Install all the bolts and tighten them by hand.
Tighten bolts.

Tightening sequence:

Fig 8: Identifying Hex Socket Head Screws

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

First tighten bolt - A -.
Next, tighten bolts - B - and - D -.
Lastly, tighten bolt - C - to specification.
Attach universal joint to steering gear pinion.

Fig 9: Removing/Installing Bulkhead Boot, Bolt & Universal Joint

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Tighten bolt - 2 - on universal joint - 3 -.
Insert bulkhead boot - 1 - in bulkhead.
Note bulkhead boot installation location.

Fig 10: Tip Position Of Bulkhead Boot Faces Towards Pin

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Tip - 1 - of the bulkhead boot must face toward the pin - 2 -.
Install wheel housing liner → .
Mount wheel and tighten → .
Place vehicle on wheels → POSITIONING VEHICLE ON HOIST AND WHEELS .

Install driver side stowage compartment → .
Install steering column switch trim and switch → .
Install airbag steering wheel → Steering Wheel with Airbag, Removing and Installing .
Install steering column adjustment lever.

Install driver side airbag unit → .
The electric steering column lock, the steering angle sensor G85 and "basic setting" in the vehicle electrical system control module J519 must be reprogrammed or adapted in the next step.
Connect VAS 5051 A and select the function test using "Functions/Component selection" → VAS 5051A, Connecting and Selecting Functions .

Then

"Chassis (Repair group 01; 34 - 65)"
"Steering (repair group 48)"
"Steering column network, functions"
"Replace steering column"